City Go on the Defence over Stones

City Go on the Defence over Stones

Article excerpt

CITY are refusing to make John Stones the world's most expensive
defender.

Pep Guardiola is prepared to walk away from a deal for the
England international if Everton do not lower their Pounds 50m
asking price.

With Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci still an option, City
feel confident enough to stick to a hardline stance over Stones.

Director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has returned to
Manchester after the club's tour of China to work on deals for top
targets Stones and Leroy Sane.

Gabriel Jesus is also due to complete a move worth around Pounds
20m.

City believe it is up to Everton to lower their valuation of
Stones.

They have already lodged a bid of Pounds 40m - which is Pounds 2m
more than Chelsea were prepared to pay 12 months ago. Since then
Stones has endured a difficult time for Everton and is still to
establish himself as a regular starter for England. …